Are you a parent of a college bound student? Are you in sticker shock over the price of college today? Are you one of thousands of Middle to Upper Class families who can afford the tuition, yet are looking for smart ways to pay for college beyond your savings, equity or paycheck? Here’s a no-brainer. [...]Read Full Article →

Seniors- The college application season is winding down yet don’t forget to consider investment value as you finalize your college list. Yes, this is a message that I repeat over and over. With the cost of tuition and the level of student debt at all time highs, college applicants can’t afford to be careless about [...]Read Full Article →

Yesterday, President Barack Obama signed a landmark federal law which dramatically affects the cost and availability of student loans. That’s exciting news for many Connecticut students searching for ways to support their dream of going to college. Effective July 1, 2010, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) will require all federal student loans to originate through the more reliable Direct [...]Read Full Article →

Within the DEC Network, never has there been more focus on the investment value associated with higher education than in the past year. Hit with the effects of the “great recession”, families are taking a very close look at potential tuition bills when evaluating college decisions. As noted in earlier blogs, the majority of private [...]Read Full Article →

As a reminder to families who attended last week’s DEC NETWORK community seminar on Smart $trategies for the College Bound, Connecticut College Goal Sunday is scheduled for tomorrow, January 31, 2010 from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. This excellent program is a free service for prospective college students who need help completing the Free Application for [...]Read Full Article →

Join The DEC NETWORK® at the second annual presentation on Smart $trategies for the College Bound, Ridgefield Library, January 21 at 7:00PM. Learn how colleges are responding to the current economic environment and ten important tips for applying to and paying for college. The one hour program will highlight strategies related to family goals, student [...]Read Full Article →

Let’s face it…paying for higher education is a daunting task. Now more than ever, clients are asking for advice on tuition payment plans for both undergraduate and graduate study. Over the next several months, I will offer Smart $trategies on Applying and Paying for College to not only clients but also the community at large. [...]Read Full Article →

Learning, presenting, networking, and RACING…no better words describe my actions at the information packed Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Conference a few days ago. From one meeting to the next, I managed to attend professional sessions on financial aid, college resources, Personality Type, social networking and more. At the same time, hundreds of college/school representatives were on hand from [...]Read Full Article →

More and more students are postponing freshman year in college and choosing internships, study abroad, and public service. Why take a year off? In some cases, students are not quite ready to commit to the rigors and or costs of campus life, or may be seeking opportunities to help define their interests. According to Holly Bull, president of the Center for [...]Read Full Article →

A recent survey of 284 schools conducted by The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) revealed a projected drop in student enrollment and reduction in tuition deposits at approximately 30% and 44%, respectively. David L. Warren, president of NAICU, attributes the drop to financial strains felt by students across the nation. Reduced savings plans, limited home equity [...]Read Full Article →

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From Twitter

“We worked with Debbie to guide us through the college review, selection and application process for our son. We could not have been happier. She established and kept us on a proactive and tight timeline resulting in completion of the process well in advance, relieving us of most of the turmoil, anxiety and stress associated with launching a child into college. She is now guiding our second through the journey.”

“You are such a cheery and positive spirit–just what we needed! You have made all of my kids recognize their potential and believe in it themselves! What a gift you are. Thanks for all the encouragement and guidance. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.”

“I committed to college today! The campus was absolutely gorgeous, the dorms were incredibly impressive, I love the atmosphere and environment of the school and was just overwhelmed with everything they offered. Thank you so much for all of the help you’ve been over the past year. I’m so happy with where I’m ending up and really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“I hope your ears have been ringing as I sing your praises! You have been so helpful and encouraging throughout our daughter’s college search and decision making process. Thank you for helping to make it as stress free as it could have been. Your advice at critical junctures along the way made a big difference.”

“You listened, customized your responses to meet my needs and checked in with me to make sure that you understood what I was saying and that I understood what you were suggesting. You made a chore and fear of the unknown into something positive.”

“Thank you for all you do for our family. Your support, professionalism, positive attitude and many, many hours of work have helped us all so much. Your efforts will continue to make such a difference in our lives for a long, long time.”

“Debbie’s upbeat and encouraging manner combined with her thorough analysis of the student and her knowledge of the schools results in a list of college choices that are the best fits. The final result for my daughter — a clean sweep of acceptances from every college she applied to!”

“Your expertise, diligent support, consistent follow-through, and careful attention to our son’s individual profile, style, strengths, and needs were pivotal to keeping progress on track. I am very confident in his bright future and want you to know that you have our gratitude for your part in supporting his success.”

“Our son really respects and values your opinions, and you have been so good about empowering him and making the final decision his own. He is thrilled about his offer which he accepted yesterday; his top choice. I want you to know how grateful we are to you. You have been a crucial part of our boys’ lives.”

“I am truly grateful for your genuine commitment and enthusiasm working with me and all of your clients. It is amazing seeing that everything we worked so hard on together finally paid off. And I am forever thankful for the bond we share 🙂 other than my parents, you were my biggest supporter and really made me understand the value of my achievements as a student and a person.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your invaluable assistance over the past four years. It seems like …

“Thank you for the beautiful, encouraging note you sent. I don’t know if you do that kind of thing for all of your students, but it is an outstanding touch and I applaud your style!”

“The absolute best thing about Debbie Davis was that she kept me organized and on track with my college forms, essays and applications. I was on top of my college work at all times. My essays were completed months before their deadline. She saved me from any unnecessary stress in my senior year. Thank you, Mrs. Davis- my senior year has been amazing.”

“There are questions that come up every day, (it seems), and it calms me to know you are always there for me. Your support of the boys runs deep- your positive and fun attitude- your cards- your expertise- and now your true interest in their future. I am grateful for all you do for us.”

“With the help of Debbie Davis, I was able to narrow down a college list that included schools I hadn’t thought of applying to before, draft sincere college essays that were representative of my life experiences and plans, and, ultimately, get into my dream school. I am happier than ever with my college choice, and that is all thanks to Debbie Davis. Thank you, Debbie, for changing my life!”

“Our experience with Debbie Davis was one of total satisfaction. She spent hours explaining to us every facet of the college search. Her attention to detail, her positive and enthusiastic personality, and her accurate knowledge of her business is impressive.”

“We cannot thank you enough for guiding our child and us through one of the most important exercises in her life, and teaching her the importance of preparation. Many thanks also for your warm personal focus and outstanding professionalism.”

“You are truly the best and most supportive career and college mentor out there. Every single involvement with our kids is the most positive and supportive possible- you help me be a better parent.”

“Your support of the boys runs deep- your positive and fun attitude, your cards, your expertise- and now your true interest in their future. I am grateful for all you do for us.”

“I have to tell you, working with you has been so inspiring. I’m transitioning back into the working world (I am interviewing now) and watching your energy and how you run your business makes me so excited to jump back in. Thanks again for all of your compassion with the kids, your enthusiasm, and expertise.”

“I truly felt that you treated my daughter as your own child, ascertaining every step of the way what the right course of action would be for her and where she would be happiest. Something that at first seemed daunting gradually unfolded into a fun adventure. We are left with wonderful memories and a very exciting future.”